Review of Daddy

Daddy is based on a true story and is definitely the best crime drama film since Ram Gopal Verma's Company (2002). When I first watched Raees this year, I was a little disappointed by its treatment. The screenplay, art direction and performances looked artificial and larger than life. Since that film was fictional it worked and turned out to be another Bollywood mainstream film. Daddy on the other hand is a classic, indie film. The screenplay is non- linear and perfectly executed. Arjun Rampal and Ashim Ahluwalia's screenplay avoided using glorifying dialogues and unnecessary songs to titillate the senses of Indian audience. The story HAS content unlike many Bollywood mainstreams. I think art direction, that felt realistic and detailed, allowed the performances to translate on the screen well. Arjun Rampal as Arun Gawli was intense and very grounded. The supporting cast members are the real deal though. There was gravitas in their performance, especially Nishikant Kamath who played the cop. Kudos to Jessica Lee Gagne and Pankaj Kumar's cinematography. Arjun Rampal's subject matter and Ashim Ahluwalia's direction has presented us with a gritty crime drama that is thrilling till the very end. Definitely worth watching.